'Only tear gas used, no shots fired': Centre counters Rahul's charge, demands apology
The Indian government has denied allegations made by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi that the Home Minister authorized police violence against student protesters. Officials clarified that only tear gas was used during the crackdown, while the opposition continues to criticize the government's handling of education-related protests.
Why it matters
This exchange reflects the ongoing political tension in India regarding government accountability and the influence of ideological organizations on the education system.
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday rejected leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi's allegation that Union home minister Amit Shah had authorised police excesses against student protesters, insisting that no shots were fired during the July 20 crackdown on demonstrators marching to Parliament over the NEET paper leak issue.Responding to Rahul's remarks in the Lok Sabha, Union minister Jitendra Singh said, "It was repeatedly clarified that no shots were fired; tear gas was used. Since no shots were fired, the question of issuing an order does not arise. The authority to issue such an order rests with the magistrate, not the minister..."The clarification came after Rahul alleged during a debate on the Bill to amend the anti-paper leaks law that Shah had "authorised" violent action against students.
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